Link it! Prior knowledge - State of Matter - Year 4

In preparation for delving into the states of matter, Year 4 students are encouraged to draw upon their prior knowledge and personal experiences with materials and their properties. The pupils have already touched upon the topic in earlier years, and many have observed common phenomena such as steam rising from a boiling kettle, which introduces them to the concept of evaporation. They may also have noticed how puddles can freeze on a playground during cold weather, offering a practical example of water transitioning from a liquid to a solid state. Additionally, most students are familiar with the use of a freezer at home and understand that items like ice cream and lollipops change from solid to liquid when they are not kept cold, demonstrating the process of melting.

To solidify their understanding, children are encouraged to explore these observations further and record what they already know in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of their Knowledge Organiser. This activity serves as a foundation for the upcoming lessons on how solids, liquids, and gases can change states under different conditions. By linking their classroom learning with other subjects and their own personal experiences, students begin to form a more comprehensive understanding of the physical changes that occur in the world around them. This approach to learning helps to make the scientific concepts more relatable and easier to grasp.